How to Wear Ripped and Distressed Jeans – 5 Styling Do’s and Don’ts

February 12, 2013 • by Kathy Noto

The history of distressed and ripped jeans is actually quite interesting. Back in the early ’90s, during the onset of the grunge period, these jeans were all the rage. People back then wore all sorts of deliberately destroyed stuff. But its existence in the fashion scene dates earlier than that.

Distressed jeans and ripped denim played an important role in the fashion of musicians back in the ’70s and ’80s. However, it wasn’t until the ’90s that they were embraced by the general public. These days, some celebrities even walk around looking like they’ve been mauled by a bear.

Ellen Pompeo goes shopping at Gelson’s in Los Feliz on January 25, 2015 / Kendall Jenner departs from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on January 24, 2015 / Actress Robin Antin out and about in Beverly Hills on January 20, 2015 / Jennifer Lopez arrives at The Dorchester hotel on May 28, 2013

Staunch fashion lovers who can’t go out of the house with a strand of hair out of place probably curse the ones who propelled these jeans to popularity. But, as of late, this style of jeans has wormed its way to even the most sophisticated of fashion mavens.

So, I guess ripped and distressed jeans can be styled up. You can rock them without looking like you just fought with your canine. The following style bloggers will show you how:

1. Lucy in skinny jeans ripped at the knees

Lucy’s look is chic street wear. She matched her skinny jeans ripped at the knees with an oversized shirt and an oversized leopard-print coat. The styling really boasts of a no-nonsense flair — a beanie and a pair of chunky-heeled boots. So easy to wear, right?

2. Kellen in ripped jeans and a cozy sweater

3. Lua in ripped zipper-detailed jeans

This outfit is an ode to grunge fashion. Lua’s zipper-detailed jeans are interesting already, but the one-sided ripped detail just added up to its grunge allure. She took it to the next level with a printed top and loafer creepers. The fur coat and military-style hat punctuated the look.

4. Victoria in distressed baggy jeans

Victoria makes distressed baggy jeans look easy and sophisticated to wear. The jeans popped out from the monochromatic hues of her other pieces. I definitely approve of the ankle boots, the black coat, the black top, the leather cross-body bag, the black sunnies, and even her tousled hair!

5. Cris in an old pair of distressed jeans

Here’s a look that you might feel like copying every day. It looks wonderful for nearly every casual occasion! In fact, I might even wear this for work.

If you have an old pair of jeans that needs sprucing up, destroy it! Seriously. Get a pair of scissors and one of those sewing tools used to remove threads on clothes and start distressing your pants. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online.

There is also a rad array of distressed and ripped denims at Shopbop. Check out a few of them below.

Rag & Bone The Ripped Skinny Jeans, $220

Joe’s Jeans Vintage Reserve Baggy Jeans, $165

NSF Beck Ripped Relaxed Fit Jeans, $308

True Religion Cameron Boyfriend Jeans, $218

Sass & Bide Roll The Dice Boyfriend Jeans, $270

Have you tried styling up your ripped jeans lately? If not, take a cue from these bloggers and incorporate this fashion staple in your ensemble!